Hrvatsko katoličko sveučilište u 2025. izvodit će prijediplomski studij „Računarstvo za društvene primjene“

On September 17, 2024, following an international accreditation process, the Agency for Science and Higher Education granted the Catholic University of Croatia (CUC) official approval to introduce the undergraduate university program "Computing for Social Applications."

The program will commence in the 2025/2026 academic year, with a duration of three years and a total of 180 ECTS credits upon completion. The annual student intake is limited to 40 students, who, upon successful completion, will obtain the academic title of University Bachelor of Engineering in Computing.

Establishment of the Faculty of Engineering
Based on the accreditation approval, the CUC Senate officially established the Faculty of Engineering on November 12, 2024. The faculty's mission is to educate experts in the field of computing who will contribute to technological advancements, innovation, and societal progress while adhering to high ethical standards. Through modern teaching methods and research activities, the faculty aims to develop technical skills, alongside fostering critical thinking, interdisciplinary approaches, and social responsibility.

The faculty's mission is also grounded in preparing professionals to tackle the challenges of digital transformation, apply technology to solve complex problems, understand ethical implications, and create sustainable solutions for the future.

Practical Focus of the "Computing for Social Applications" Program
A key pillar of the "Computing for Social Applications" undergraduate program is its practical component. Through projects, workshops, and professional internships in collaboration with industry partners, students will gain hands-on experience preparing them for real-world challenges. This integrative approach, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application, is essential for success in the fast-evolving tech industry. Additionally, partnerships with businesses provide opportunities for networking, mentorship, and potential employment for graduates.

A Vision for Ethics, Society, and Technology
"Engineering sciences are a novelty in our academic community, which has thus far been primarily focused on the social sciences, humanities, and biomedical fields. We are faced with new realities, including computing, artificial intelligence, human-machine relations, and ethical questions of freedom, responsibility for the common good, and anthropological understanding."

"Last October, at the G7 summit in Bari, Italy, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of exploring technological innovations that significantly shape the future of humanity. He urged us to ‘not miss the opportunity to think and act in a new way—with mind, heart, and hands—to steer innovation towards a model primarily focused on human dignity.’ Similarly, in his recent address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Pope warned that artificial intelligence could become a force beyond the control of its creators, underscoring the need for ethical responsibility, human safety, and broader societal implications."

"These past days, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and the Dicastery for Culture and Education have jointly issued a document on artificial intelligence, demonstrating the Church’s deep engagement with critical issues concerning humanity and society. At our Computing for Social Applications program, a key focus is precisely on studying, recognizing, and addressing ethical concerns. This program will be both a challenge and an exciting new opportunity for our academic community, and we are ready to welcome new students and faculty who will, through their diversity, enrich the range of study programs our University offers."

– Prof. Željko Tanjić, Ph.D., Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia

A Program Designed for the Job Market
"The Computing for Social Applications program is designed to meet real labor market needs. Students will be prepared for various careers in fields such as software development, data analysis, information technology, and digital transformation. Furthermore, the program provides a solid foundation for further academic advancement at the master's and doctoral levels. Our goal is for the Faculty of Engineering to establish regular collaboration with tech companies, startups, and research centers to ensure that our curriculum remains aligned with current industry trends and workforce demands."

– Prof. Gordan Črpić, Ph.D., Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering

The Faculty of Engineering Joins CUC's Expanding Academic Structure
The Faculty of Engineering is now the third faculty at the Catholic University of Croatia, alongside the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Law, in addition to the University's five departments.

Further details on the new Faculty of Engineering will soon be available on the official website of the Catholic University of Croatia.